Brevard Gets Drug Plane From Customs

TITUSVILLE — A twin-engine airplane seized by U.S. Customs agents in 1987 because of its illegal cargo of parrots was turned over to the Brevard County sheriff's office Monday.

Customs agent Ken Purvis gave the keys to the $35,000 airplane to Sheriff Jake Miller at Space Center Executive Airport.

Two Condor parrots, which are illegal to import, and marijuana residue were found on the plane by customs agents and Brevard deputies when it landed on an isolated ranch. No charges were filed and customs acquired the plane through forfeiture proceedings.

The 1959 Cessna 310-C will be used for activities including prisoner transport, drug surveillance and search and rescue, said sheriff's spokeswoman Joan Heller. The department already has one single-engine plane and a helicopter, Heller said.